THIS is the man police believe is responsible for a spate of break-ins at old folks' homes.

Detectives are currently following two lines of inquiry after a public appeal in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph last week, urging anyone with information about the incidents to come forward.

Officers believe the man has struck at least twice in the last two weeks, his first victim being an 81-year-old man living in the Wellington Road area of Darwen.

The burglar was confronted by a neighbourhood watch coordinator who spotted him going in to the pensioner's home.

The coordinator then entered the house and found the offender sitting in a chair in the living room. When asked what he was doing there, he replied "My name's Ian, I'm from Bolton and the occupant knows me." He then left.

He also stole a handbag containing £250 cash from an 85-year-old woman's house in the same street.

Det Sgt Ian Critchley, of Darwen CID, appealed for more witnesses to come forward. He said: "This man needs to be caught before he strikes again. There have a number of sneak-ins where a male has been disturbed entering a house and saying he is Ian from Bolton.

"We are linking him with at least two other offences in the Turton area.

"Although he does not appear dangerous, we would urge people to be on their guard and would ask neighbours to look out for any elderly residents."

The offender is described as white, slim, with a sallow complexion. He spoke with a Bolton accent and was unshaven.

If anybody has any information about the man or has been visited by anybody similar, they should contact Darwen CID ON 01254 353841/2/3.